Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, faced criticism for a video posted on social media in which she wore a Harris-Walz campaign hat and fed Doritos to a kneeling podcast host to promote the CHIPS Act. The clip showed Whitmer taking a Doritos chip out of a bag and placing it into the mouth of liberal podcaster Liz Plank, who was kneeling on the floor. The governor was then seen wearing a camouflage Harris-Walz hat. The video was created to highlight the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. The act allocated nearly $53 billion to bring semiconductor supply chains back to the U.S., create jobs, support American innovation, and protect national security. Plank captioned the video, “Chips aren’t just delicious, the CHIPS Act is a game-changer for U.S. tech and manufacturing, boosting domestic production of semiconductors to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers!”
The video drew criticism from Michigan Catholic Bishops, who condemned Whitmer’s actions as offensive. Some critics mistakenly interpreted the video as Whitmer pretending to participate in Holy Communion to mock Christians who partake in the Eucharist. In response to the backlash, Whitmer apologized, stating that the video was not intended to be disrespectful to people of faith. She emphasized her commitment to upholding the rights of individuals to practice their personal religious beliefs. The governor’s statement to Fox 2 expressed regret for the video’s unintended interpretation and acknowledged that it was supposed to convey the importance of the CHIPS Act to Michigan jobs. Whitmer’s team also reached out to the Michigan Catholic Conference to address concerns about the video’s implications.
The video featuring Whitmer feeding Doritos to a kneeling podcast host was created as part of a viral TikTok trend. The trend involved one person feeding another person, who acted sexually, while the song “Dilemma” by Nelly and Kelly Rowland played in the background. The video aimed to raise awareness about the CHIPS Act and its significance for U.S. technology and manufacturing. Whitmer’s participation in the video wearing a Harris-Walz hat was intended to draw attention to the legislation signed by President Biden. The act aimed to boost domestic production of semiconductors, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and strengthen national security measures.
Whitmer’s apology for the video was prompted by the negative response it received, particularly from groups like the Michigan Catholic Bishops. The governor emphasized her commitment to respecting religious beliefs and promoting tolerance in public discourse. Despite the intended message of highlighting the CHIPS Act and its benefits for Michigan jobs, the video’s interpretation as a disrespectful gesture towards Christian practices led to swift criticism. Whitmer’s statement expressed regret for any offense caused by the video and reiterated her dedication to serving the people of Michigan with dignity and respect.
In conclusion, the video featuring Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer feeding Doritos to a kneeling podcast host while wearing a Harris-Walz hat sparked controversy and backlash. The viral TikTok-style clip was intended to promote the CHIPS Act and emphasize its importance for U.S. technology and manufacturing. However, the video’s interpretation as a disrespectful gesture towards religious practices led to criticism, particularly from groups like the Michigan Catholic Bishops. Whitmer’s apology sought to address concerns about the video’s unintended implications and reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the rights of individuals to practice their personal beliefs. The incident highlighted the challenges of using social media as a platform for public figures to convey messages and engage with diverse audiences.
